XL2000: Cell Linked to Text-Formatted Cell Shows Formula Not Value

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SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, if you enter a formula that links one cell to a cellthat is formatted as text, the cell that contains the link is also formatted as text. If you then edit the formula in the linked cell, the formula is displayed in the cell rather than the value that is returned by the formula.

CAUSE

When you link cells in Microsoft Excel, the format of the original cell is applied to the linked cell. Therefore, if you enter a formula that links one cell to a cell formatted as text, the cell with the formula is also formatted as text.

WORKAROUND

To display the calculated value rather than the formula, you must change the format of the cell containing the formula and re-enter the formula. To do this, follow these steps:

Select the cell with the formula, and then click Cells on the Format menu.

Click the Number tab. In the Category list, click the format that you want the cell to display, and then click OK.